Easy Skillet Spanish Rice
Make a delicious skillet Spanish rice with this easy recipe. Ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce combine for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce come together in one pan for a hearty, flavorful Spanish rice dish. With the addition of bell pepper, onion, and just the right spices, this easy meal delivers big taste with minimal fuss.
It’s quick enough for busy weeknights and flexible enough to adjust with what you have on hand — perfect for serving as a main dish or a satisfying side.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
One-skillet dinner. Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Flavor-packed and filling. Ground beef, tomato sauce, and spices make this a satisfying meal.
Quick and flexible. Ready in about 30 minutes and easy to customize.
Great for leftovers. Reheats well for next-day lunches or another dinner.
Ingredient Notes
- Vegetable oil – Used to sauté the beef and vegetables.
- Ground beef – 85% lean is ideal for flavor and texture.
- Onion – Adds depth and savoriness.
- Green bell pepper – Brings mild sweetness and color.
- Long-grain rice – Uncooked; cooks directly in the tomato broth.
- Chili powder – Adds a hint of spice and warmth.
- Salt and pepper – Basic seasoning for balance.
- Tomato sauce – Binds the dish and brings bright tomato flavor.
- Water – Helps the rice cook evenly and absorb flavor.
Steps to Make Easy Skillet Spanish Rice
- Brown the ground beef in oil without stirring for a few minutes to develop flavor.
- Add the onions and continue cooking until soft and the beef is no longer pink.
- Stir in rice, seasonings, tomato sauce, and water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender.
Tips
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to avoid scorching the rice.
- Check at 15 minutes and add a splash more water if needed.
- Let it rest covered for a few minutes before serving to finish steaming the rice.
Recipe Variations
- Add bacon. Stir in 3 to 4 strips of cooked, crumbled bacon and use bacon drippings in place of oil.
- Stir in tomatoes. Add a can of petite diced or stewed tomatoes for extra texture.
- Try different meats. Use ground turkey or fresh chorizo for a variation in flavor.
- Make it spicy. Add jalapeños or chipotle powder for more heat.
- Top with cheese. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a one-dish dinner with a side of sour cream or salsa.
- Pair with a green salad or simple sautéed vegetables.
- Add tortillas or cornbread on the side.
- Include as a side dish for grilled chicken or pork chops.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
To Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave with a splash of water to loosen if needed.
Easy Skillet Spanish Rice
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups water
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef without disturbing it for 4 minutes. Break the beef up and add the onion. Continue cooking, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes, until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent.
- Add the rice, chili powder, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, and water; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
